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TMS320C6421: TMS320C6421ZDU5

Part Number: TMS320C6421

We are starting a new design with TMS320C6421 DSP to keep initial FW investment, that will be launched in Q1 2021.

Is it still recommended for new design ?

What is the expected life time of C6421/24 family ?

Thanks and regards

Xavier Pénet

ALE International

  • Hi,

    The device is NOT marked as not recommended for new designs. So you can use it for your custom board.
    As for the life expectancy of the TMS320C6421 I've notified the design team to elaborate. Note that the DSP should be supported even after it is stopped from production.

    Best Regards,
    Yordan
  • Hi Xavier 

    Yordan asked me to comment on your expected life time query for c642x family , 

    Product longevity is important to TI and its customers. To meet customer needs we employ strategies such as inventory management and multiple sourcing tactics to address continuity. 

    Here is an external link to TI's GQC (General Quality Guidelines) that references TI's EOL policy (Section 20):

    Having said that , do not that there are alternate part # suggestions specifically if it is a new development. While I understand you have initial FW investment, it might definitely worthwhile to look at newer devices like c6748 or c665x family of devices. 

    The software/tools offered for c6421 etc will not be the latest greatest and are not part of TI's Processor SDK. There is no plan to refresh /update/bug fix anything that around c642x family of devices. 

    So please definitely weigh in the pros/cons around this.

    Let us know if you have additional questions.

    Regards

    Mukul 

  • Thanks Mukul for your comprehensive feedback,

    Actually we have already been considering the C6748/46 family which are the last DSPs to still provide HPI interface (we have develop an ASIC --> FPGA based upon that interface) and compatible C64+ fixed point instruction set.

    But we have not seen much interest to use this family, the operating frequency is lower. The only positive point we have seen, the GA was in 2009 compared to 2007 for C6421/24.

    We are "betting" the 6421/24 family is still a high runner with a huge customer portofolio for TI

    Please let us know if our vision is correct, or should we move to C6748 ?

    Thanks and regards

    Xavier Pénet

  • Hello Xavier,

    We can't comment on shipments as it is TI confidential information. However, we can comment that TI does not have plans to EOL this device at this time. 

    Regards,

    Carlos